Cushioned key for writing machines



Aug. 21, 1934. I L 'A, AWS 1,970,793

CUSHIONED KEY FOR WRITING MACHINES Filed,July 17, 1933 ,.Arn...

Lewis/4.19 14 LNVENTU B M Tomi Patented Aug. 21, 1934 -UNITED -STATES- PATENT; OFFICE CUSHI'ONEDY Karma WRITING I LewisA. Amisfnanasjpreg. y

' Application July 17, 1933, Serial it... (is 0,307 4 Claims. (01."i97-40'3' v This invention relates to typewriter keys, and it has particular reference to a key so designed and arranged as to be resilient to the touch of the operator.

The principal object of the invention is to provide in a device of the character specified, a resilient key which is easily assembled and applied to the key stem, and in which the various elements are locked against displacement.

Another object of the invention is the provision of means whereby the various parts of the key may be readily disassembled in the event replacement becomes necessary.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a supporting means for the resilient material which aids in restoring this material to its original shape when the typewriter key is released.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a key having the advantages specified but in which the parts are so designed that the resultant size and weight of the key are kept within reason able limits.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention with portions broken away.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a retainer washer used in the form of the invention shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view of the pattern or blank used in forming a retaining cup.

Figure 4 is a spring retaining cup formed from the blank shown in Figure 3, and V Figure 5 is a side elevational view of another form of the invention.

Continuing more in detail with the drawing, 1 denotes an outer ring, which is best shown in Figure 1. The upper end of the ring 1 is formed so as to define a flange 2 which is turned inwardly and downwardly as shown. An annular groove is pressed into the ring 1 thereby forming an inwardly extending annular rib 3 which serves as a support for a retainer washer 4. This washer is shown in detail in Figure 2, and it will be noted that the outer circumference of the washer 4 is flattened at the points a, and that the washer is 55;:as shown, into which a suitable hook may be inserted, by means of which the washer is sprung apart at b and its diameter decreased by overlapping the ends, thereby enabling it to pass the rib 3 in the ring 1.

Resiliency is obtained by means of a key top 5, which may be formed of rubber or other suitable material. An annular groove 6 is formed in the key top 5, and is so shaped that the top 5 is supported on the flange 2. Thus when the resilient key top 5 is in place and the washer 4 installed as above described, the various units are securely locked together. The key is then pressed downward on the key stem, not shown, the rib 3 acting as a stop in the downward movement.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 5 a ring 6 is formed with an inwardly extending rib 7 and a downwardly extending flange 8.

A resilient key top 9 is formed with an annular groove 10 as shown. The lower mid portion of the top 9 is shaped to conformably receive an inverted cup 11 which serves to receive the upper end of a spring 12. The lower end of the spring 12 rests in a retaining cup 13. This cup is formed from a blank 15 as shown in Figure 3. Elongated recesses d are formed in the vertical portion of the cup 13 to allow the insertion of a screw driver to facilitate assembling and disassembling of this unit.

After the resilient top 9 has been inserted in the ring 6, the inverted cup 11, spring 12 and retainer cup 13 are pressed upwardly into the ring 6, the upper flange of the cup 13 being reduced in diameter by forcing the segments to overlap during the operation to allow passage to a point above the inwardly extending rib 7. The various units are thus locked in position, the spring 12 being slightly compressed, thereby serving to support the resilient key top 9 and prevent sagging through continued use.

The invention has been described for use on typewriters but obviously the structure shown is capable of adaptation to other machines such as adding machines and the like.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of some modification and such modification as is considered within the scope and meaning of the appended claims is also considered within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a typewriter key including a resilient top and a base comprising an annular ring, said ring having an inwardly and downwardly directed flange to embrace the lower portion of said resilient top, a flanged cup member retained by said ring below said top and a coiled spring reposing in said cup to exert a continuous force against the underside of said top.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a type- 5 writer key including a resilient top and a base comprising an annular ring and having an annular, inwardly extending rib spaced from its bottom, said base being arranged to receive the lower portion of said resilient top, afia-nged cup member retained by said annularrib for locking the lower portion of said resilient top within cup for supporting said resilient top.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a typedownwardly extending flange integral with the upper portion of said annular ring and arranged.

to be received within an annular groove insaid top, an inwardly extending rib integral with said ring, a cup having flanges arranged to be received within said ring above said rib whereby to lock said top to said ring, and a coiled spring lying in said cup and pressing against said top whereby to support the same.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a typewriter key including a resilient top and a base comprising an annular ring having an open lower end, an inwardly and. downwardly extending flange integral with'the upper portion of said ansaid ring, and a coiled spring reposing within said nular ring and arranged to be received within an 1 .annular groove in said top, an inwardly extend- },ing'annular rib integral with said ring, a flanged cupiheld'againstdisplacement by said annular rib and a coiledspring disposed in said cup to exert a force against the underside of said top.

LEWIS A. AMIS. 

